IATA warns high costs and levies are hindering African aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that high operating costs, fragmented markets, and heavy passenger levies are hindering aviation growth in Africa. Speaking at the Aviation Africa Summit in Nairobi, IATA Regional Vice President Kamil Alawadhi emphasized that governments must decide whether to treat aviation as a revenue source or an engine for economic development.

Specific concerns were raised regarding passenger levies, which are among the highest globally. Equatorial Guinea imposes the highest levy at US$50 per person (US$100 for return tickets), followed by Tanzania at US$45 per person (US$90 for return tickets), and Gabon at US$30 per person (US$60 for return tickets). These costs are seen as potential deterrents to international travelers and the tourism ecosystem.

While safety performance has improved—with 47 African airlines now registered in the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)—the continent still faces challenges. The implementation rate of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards in Sub-Saharan Africa is approximately 60%, trailing the global average of 70%.